Slow and ponderous in the first half, City were just not at the races. The possession they were supposed to cherish, despite the sodden conditions, was squandered sloppily and frequently.

The old Achilles heel was exposed when Glenn Murray was allowed to head home an Anthony Knockaert corner after just 15 minutes. James Maddison was correctly sent off for two stupid bookings inside three minutes and then Vicente Iborra limped off – everything that could go wrong was going wrong and the only crumb of comfort for Puel was that they weren’t further behind by the break.

The dive that got James Maddison sent off in Leicester City's draw with Brighton (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Thankfully, the Seagulls didn’t smell blood, or of they did they were so blinded by their belief that one goal would be enough against ten men they decided not to try to press home their numerical advantage.

At half time that title-winning DNA kicked in . That City instinct came alive. What do they say? Foxes Never Quit? That was the mantra in 2015-16 and the second half was a nostalgia trip for the City fans who had made the long trek to the south coast, and it was inspired by one man.

Where before he would waspishly move across the opposition backline looking for the ball over the top that he could explode onto, these days he looks for the same ball but it doesn’t come with the same old regularity.

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He has looked a frustrated figure at times this season and had gone five games without a goal.

Despite being fit after a groin strain, Puel had decided to leave the talisman striker as a substitute as a precaution with a congested period of games ahead, but with City chasing the game there was only one man to turn to.

The intensity, desire and commitment that characterises Vardy at his best was evident throughout the City side as they chased, harried and harassed the Seagulls all over the pitch.

Jamie Vardy of Leicester City in action with Mat Ryan of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City at American Express Community Stadium. (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)

At times it was difficult to tell which side was down to ten men.

Marc Albrighton was all action down the right flank, Shinji Okazaki was buzzing around the Brighton defence after dropping back to his supporting striker role behind Vardy and the City number nine was bullying Brighton’s defence.

After taking a heavy challenge from Shane Duffy, which earned the centre back a booking, Vardy got his revenge shortly after with a well-timed shoulder barge on the edge of the pitch. The City fans loved it.

Brighton just couldn’t resist and the pressure eventually told when Beram Kayal clattered into another substitute, Kelechi Iheanacho, inside the area and Vardy hammered home a superb spot kick to restore parity.

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Both sides had spells late on to snatch a winner but it was still a morale-boosting point for City and reward for a spirited second half.

Puel is still trying to reshape City into his vision, to evolve them into a side equipped to deal with any challenge and adaptable to play multiple styles and systems.

But while Vardy is still a City player then there should always be room in the armoury for the simple ‘up and at em’ approach.

For years now City have been at their best when they have been all action, all guns blazing, foot to floor, pedal to the metal and in your face.

Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates with Nampalys Mendy of Leicester City after scoring from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City at American Express Community Stadium. (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)

That will always be there in City’s DNA.

It is ingrained in the fans, the club and in many of the old guard who can still take the Blue Army on a trip down Memory Lane.